Head coach Terry O’Connor admitted Sutton & Epsom are in a transitional period after Saturday’s 21-12 defeat to Basingstoke left them pointless after their first two games.

O’Connor said: “We lost a number of players in the summer, so it’s very much a re-building process at the moment.

“We didn’t do too badly on Saturday, and got back into the game with a try, but then gave away what I look at as two soft tries.” For long periods, Sutton had their opponents under pressure, but
some dogged defence from the visitors and a couple of poor errors from the home side ensured Basingstoke claimed the victory.

Next up for Sutton is a trip to Jersey, and O’Connor is under no illusions over how difficult the game will be.

He added: “Jersey’s results have been a bit decieiving. They lost to Bracknell on day one, who are a very strong outfit. Then they got a good win at the weekend.”

One positive has been the form of winger Aaron Warner, who joined in the summer from Bridgend.

Warner is expected to shake off a mild hamstring injury picked up on Saturday.